Indigenous Rights

A Lakota graduate’s plume was cut from her cap. The Farmington district remains silent.

As a Lakota graduate, the recent incident where a Lakota graduate’s plume was cut from her cap by the Farmington district is deeply disturbing. Graduation ceremonies are supposed to be joyful celebrations of one’s hard work and achievements, yet this act of disrespect and cruelty marred what should have been a moment of pride and honor for this young woman.

The school administrators’ actions in cutting off the culturally significant plume from the Lakota graduate’s cap signify a lack of respect for diversity and individuality. The excuse given of wanting students to look uniform is not only flimsy but also reeks of a power trip from those in authority.… Continue reading

France Deploys Army, Bans TikTok In Riot-hit New Caledonia: PM

The recent news of France deploying troops, imposing a curfew, and banning TikTok in New Caledonia due to ongoing riots has sparked a wave of discussions and revelations about the situation in this Pacific territory. The tensions between France and the largely indigenous Kanak pro-independence groups have been simmering since the end of an insurgency in the 1980s. It’s essential to understand the historical context to grasp the complexities of the current situation.

The three referendums held in 2018, 2020, and 2021 were meant to determine the future status of New Caledonia. The results showed a rejection of independence, although the 2021 vote was marred by controversy due to a boycott by pro-independence groups.… Continue reading